Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire novel Chapter 86

85. A Dinner with Enemies

LEO.

Even with their masks, I knew who was who from their scents and build. I knew the curiosity of those around us would only be heightened because, for the first time, I had a woman by my side. I was always a private person. No one knew me as anything but Schurke Wolf. Then there was the fact I was down one of my regular men… The Six were always with me and today… today there were five…

It still hurt, and I don’t think that the pain of his loss would ever completely go away…

Rumours would be afloat, they probably fucking were already, but I was fine with that, anything to keep the attention away from the main reason we were here.

I kept my hand on Azura’s waist; I hadn’t wanted her to come, but I also knew she was my mate, born to be my equal, and I had no right to control her decisions. If she was in my place, I sure as fuck wouldn’t stay back. But that also didn’t mean I was going to let her risk herself.

We mingled, and Azura stayed silent behind her rhinestone chain face mask. It didn’t cover her face entirely, but the others that Jax had purchased for her had all been uncomfortable around her eyes. This was the only one that had been comfortable enough according to my Sexy Little Psycho. I couldn’t really blame the masks since her eyes were so fucking perfectly huge.

Several of my own men came over to greet me, followed by those smaller Cartel dons that were partially run by myself. Big enough to be powerful, yet still far too small to defy me.

I made small talk, and if someone didn’t know better, they’d think this was just another business dinner… Several thanked me officially for doing business with them, yet what disturbed me was that not one seemed to have an issue with the drugs being tainted… Not one mentioned it.

No complaints that I cheated them against what was promised…

Scanning the room, I knew they all feared me… I could smell the fear seeping from them when I walked past them.

I didn’t really care… I came for a reason. There were several things I needed to do… and I planned to handle them all tonight. Even if it risked showing my humanity…

Schurke Wolf may be known to be heartless, ruthless and dangerous but in the end, there were still rules that I expected to be obeyed.

Time to get this shit over with.

‘Not all of our buyers are here. The seven who were unable to make it let us know, of course, and a few should be here shortly.‘ Li Sheng said through the link.

‘Get our men to purchase those drugs back from them, even if it means as customers. Those were smaller buyers… but I haven’t seen Web yet. Is he here?‘ I asked, opening the link between the five and Azura. My hand caressing her waist.

‘Oh, he’s almost here. Our men are tracking him. He made a stop on his way, we’re finding out who he spoke to and exactly where he went.” Jin added.

‘Find out fast,‘ I replied sharply.

That didn’t seem right…

It was a while later, and we were now making our way to dinner. Unlike the rest of the people here, only the leaders would retreat to a private room, where I would state the reason behind this dinner. They all knew there was a purpose for this invitation, and many were on edge to know exactly what that was. Each one was tense and on edge as they waited for me to share.

I was now seated at the head of the table, with the Five standing behind us. The table was large, and everyone was spread out giving enough space for their men to flank them, a lavish meal was set out in front of us. We were about to begin eating when the doors opened and none other than Web entered.

He wore a white suit on his stocky frame and a gold mask with a long beak on his face, a cigar in hand.

“I apologise for my tardiness; however, I have a vast business to run.” He declared, taking his seat that awaited him.

Our eyes met, and he forced a smile.

“I hope that’s all it was… business.” I remarked coldly.

His heart thudded and I could smell the sweat and fear oozing off him, like a man who had just committed a crime and feared being caught.

“Yes, like I said, I am sorry.”

I raised an eyebrow behind my mask. Something was off. “No need to apologise. We are glad you could make it.”

“Ah, of course.” He replied, his eight men behind him standing at attention. He was the one who had brought the most security.

‘Ace, send out more men, find what he was up to.‘ I commanded before being the first to dig in, making sure the food was safe, of course it was my men who had arranged the food, but no one would eat it unless I tasted it first. Although poison for humans wouldn’t kill me anyway, I wouldn’t play fucking dirty like that.

“It’s an honour to be called to a dinner by yourself, Schurke Wolf. After all, you don’t really like to mix.” One of the men said, his eyes on Azura, who could easily pass for a high–end

escort.

I reached over, taking her hand and kissed her wrist softly, trying not to act possessive of her even though I wanted to fucking put him in his place.

Looking at my gorgeous girl, I knew the pout on her face was from her wondering how she was going to eat with her mask that dangled over her lips. She was apparently pretty hungry, or more like she was blaming our pup for taking too much from her and being the cause. Those walls were down the majority of the time. (2

“Sometimes things call for it. We will discuss further after we have eaten.” I said coldly, allowing a server to pour me a glass of wine.

Several of the men had their glasses checked by their men before they allowed the wine to be poured.

“I apologise, Shurke Wolf, but times are hard, and we must be careful.” One of the men who had his plate wiped down spoke.

I nodded. “Of course, only a fool would dig in blindly, however rest assured if I wished to kill you it would not be cowardly poisoning via a meal.”

They laughed uneasily, each one trying to display their fearlessness, yet they weren’t able to hide their fear and doubt completely… They were shrewd men, most sharp and cunning, others wiser and smarter, but regardless of their personalities, these were the Dons for a

reason.

‘Guess you’ll be joining us for a meal later, Luna‘ Jax snickered, and I glanced at Azura who was looking at the food with displeasure.

‘I prefer you not eating anything here, anyway.” I added, although I had taken careful measures to make sure the food was untouched, I’d rather be safe.

‘He says that whilst eating himself.‘ She retorted before picking up her wine glass and sitting back, crossing her legs. Even drinking wasn’t too fucking easy in that mask.

Web was watching her intently, in fact a little too curiously for my liking.

“Who is the beautiful woman by your side, Schurke Wolf? We all know you don’t entertain women, or men, for that matter.” He smirked at his own comment, “Or none that we know of.” I raised my eyebrow, a cold smirk on my face, as I looked at Azura.

“This is… Lola.” I said with a small smirk. Azura’s eyes snapped to mine. 4

‘We agreed on She–Devil!‘ She frowned ‘Now I’m a dumb fish.”

‘Hey, I thought we were sticking to Lady She–Wolf,‘ Jax added.

‘Yeah, I don’t fucking think so. Both sound fucking ridiculous.‘ I would not use anything associated with her self–proclaimed title or werewolves because if anyone in this room was linked to Judah, they’d figure her out…

“Lady Lola, ah lovely to meet you.” Web said, Azura simply smiled faintly from behind her mask but said nothing.

Once the meal was over and the table was cleared away swiftly, we sat back, holding fresh glasses of alcohol. I took out a cigarette and Azura took the lighter from me. Our eyes met as she slowly leaned forward, giving me a good eyeful of her sexy cleavage. She gave me a wink as she flicked the switch and lit the cigarette for me. I leaned closer, my eyes fixed on her for a moment before I sat back with my now lit cigarette.

‘Thanks baby girl.‘

She simply gave me a small sexy smile, and I forced my attention back to the table. “There is something urgent I wanted to discuss and although this was meant to be a celebratory dinner, the issue I must address will be anything but pleasant.” I began, taking a drag on my cigarette. Silence followed as they all waited for me to continue. “The drugs I sold have been tampered with.” As predicted, they all didn’t look that surprised.

“Tampered? By?” Web asked sharply.

I frowned, placing my free hand on Azura’s thigh.

“By one of my men, who will be taken care of accordingly.” I replied coldly. Their gazes

flittered to the Five, and I knew they were instantly assuming it was Shane. “And no, it wasn’t one of my closest men. Regardless, I want to purchase those drugs back, and due to the issue, this may cause you all. I’m happy to pay double.”

A shocked murmur rushed through the room, and Azura tilted her head slightly, observing them keenly. She looked pretty fucking hot in that mask, and I was looking forward to that dance she has promised me. There were only a few days until the ceremony…

“Back? Why? No one complained Wolf, then why?” A man who went by the name Chain commented.

“No one did, but doesn’t make it fucking right. The negative impact can cause the law to dig deeper. I don’t want any of my business partners coming under pressure and be forced to spill my name now do I?”

They didn’t need to know my actual reasons.

“Then you will lose millions.” Web remarked.

“A mere drop in the pool. I want those drugs back, immediately. This is not up for

negotiation.” My voice was ice cold, my eyes hard as I looked at them all in turn. Challenging them to argue.

“Then will you compensate with other options to purchase? The drug is popular. I’ve sold a lot.” Another remarked.

“The drug trade is always growing. Right now, I don’t have shit to sell, but start planning the return. You will get paid via banks abroad or in cash. Whatever you prefer, we are not negotiating. This is a direct order. Refuse it and there will be consequences.”

“You’re threatening us.”

“And I will follow up on that threat if need be.” I snarled, making a ripple of unease rush through the room.

“Triple in return, this is business after all, Schurke Wolf.” Cobra remarked, sitting forward, a smirk on his half–covered face.

“Double or I take it by force.” I countered coldly, “You don’t want to fucking mess with me.” Cobra tensed. No matter how powerful he was, he was still just a human, and no matter how fucking powerful they thought they were or acted. A werewolf was always going to be fucking stronger. No mafia or cartel boss could ever come close. They could carry on acting like they were above the fucking world, when really, they fucking weren’t.

“Anyone else have a problem with that?” I asked venomously.

Silence followed, but just when I thought we were done and the message had gotten through nice and clear, Web spoke, smoking his cigar as he sat back. The stupid thing spreading a large

amount of smoke.

“What if we’ve already sold those drugs? I’m just a bit concerned. Lately you and your … men are dealing in things that you then want back.” He sighed, and I frowned.

Me and my men? So, he knew those bullets were from my man… he knew Emmet. Can we perhaps borrow the pretty Lolita by your side? We will surely hand her back after a while.”

Web taunted.

My eyes flashed, and I stood up, the urge to tear him apart overcoming me. “This dinner is over. Get out!” I growled, my heart raging. “My men are waiting outside to organise the return of those drugs. Willingly or by fucking force.”

‘Calm down Leo, I’ll crush his little pinky–sized dick later.‘ Azura’s voice came but I wasn’t having it.

“Don’t threaten us, this won’t be forgotten, Wolf!” Cobra snapped.

“Test me and it won’t be just fucking threats.” I hissed. This time everyone got the message, as I exuded just a sliver of my alpha aura.

Everyone got up, and when Web almost did, I slammed my hand down on the table. “Everyone but you. We’re not done yet Web.”

He forced a smirk and nodded at the other men. “Go! I mean, I only said what we were all thinking. Since when did Schurke Wolf rule us?!”

But no one was siding with him. The fear in their eyes as they backed away told me they were under my control. Willing or unwilling, I ruled them all.

The moment the last man and his security left, I turned my gaze to Web, the smoke of his cigar making me frown when Azura coughed lightly. (2

“We can do this the hard way if you want Web. There’s a lot we need to discuss anyway.” I said coldly.

His men were standing on edge behind him, but if I wanted, they’d all be fucking dead.

“Oh, I agree… but if we are having a heart to heart, then how about we start from the top, Schurke Wolf, with you owning up to the truth.” He said quietly, puffing away. He was a little too relaxed for my liking. What was he playing at?

His confidence was far more than usual too… something wasn’t right.

“What truth?” I asked coldly.

He let out a raucous laugh and leaned forward. “The one where you admit the truth that you hide, Wolf… because I know exactly what you are. What a befitting name too… Schurke Wolf.”

Our eyes met, shock rushing through my men and Azura as we all stared at the human before us, a human who never should have known what he was clearly insinuating he knew.

The question should be how? But my question was who?

Who the fuck told him that shit? And I think I had a pretty clear idea of exactly who that might be…